Muslims across India offer prayers on last Friday of Ramadan
Lucknow /Allahabad:Muslims across India gathered in huge numbers at various mosques to offer the 'Alvida Namaz' on the occasion of the last 'Jumma' of the fasting month of Ramadan on Friday. In a unique display of amity, thousands of devotees congregated at
Lucknow's historic Imambara mosque. Swept by a wave of divine exuberance, the
believers prayed with utmost devotion for faithful bliss. Syed Kalbe Jawad, the
Imam (head priest) of the mosque, led the rituals of Namaz (Islamic prayers).
"The last Jumma of Ramadan is kind of a free of cost Haj (Islamic pilgrimage)
ritual. If you participate in these prayers, it is like travelling to Mecca for
the Haj pilgrimage," said Imam Syed Kalbe Jawad of Imambara. Similar congregational
prayers were held in Uttar Pradesh's Allahabad city. Scores of Muslims dressed
in their traditional attire gathered on the streets to perform their Namaaz. They
prayed for eternal blessings from the Almighty. "Today is the last Jumma (Friday)
of the month of Ramadan. Hundreds of believers have gathered here to offer their
prayers on this holy occasion. All of us prays for peace, harmony and unity in
India," said Syed Ahtesham, a resident of Allahabad. Ramadan, the ninth month
of the Hijri lunar calendar, commemorates the revelation of Quran, Islam's holy
scripture, and has traditionally been a time of religious fervour, settling old
disputes and behaving charitably towards neighbours. Fasting during Ramadan is
one of the five pillars of Islam. Considered auspicious for prayers, Muslims observe
the month-long fasting named 'Roza'. They believe this secures them a place in
heaven and also brings them face to face with Allah, the Almighty, on the day
of 'Qayamat'. The end of Ramadan heralds the festival of Eid-ul-fitr.
